Women turn brand ambassadors of sustainable menstrual products taking the multi-billion dollar industry of disposables head on.

Listen to various stakeholders from the social venture investors, nonprofit sector, social entrepreneurs, and medical fraternity join hands in the spirit of collaboration debunking misinformation and talking of facts and personal experiences on sustainable menstruation in particular and Periods at large! Busting misinformation in pursuit of Ms information 🙂

The Simply Suparnaa © Media Network recently hosted an insightful panel discussion on the topic of sustainable menstrual products and their impact on the billion-dollar industry dominated by disposable products. The panelists, who brought a wealth of experience and expertise, shared their insights and experiences on the subject.

Dr. Meenakshi Bharat, a gynecologist with 35 years of experience specializing in fertility work, has made it her mission to advocate for sustainable living. In addition to her medical practice, she actively promotes waste reduction, composting, and the use of reusable products. Dr. Bharat’s commitment to sustainability even extends to organizing waste-free weddings for her children. Her valuable insights on the health benefits of sustainable menstrual products added great value to the discussion.

Sashi Rajamani, a founding member of Social Venture Partners in Bengaluru, brought two decades of corporate experience to her work in promoting social impact ventures and foundations. As the managing trustee of the Konrai Foundation, Rajamani collaborates with over 20 NGOs, striving to create a platform for promoting performing arts while addressing social and environmental challenges, including sustainable menstruation.

Dr Shanthi Thummala, initially trained as a dentist, took a bold step by leaving her job to lead the Swachh Siddipet campaign in collaboration with the Telangana government. Her expertise in waste management proved invaluable in streamlining waste segregation, collection, transportation, and disposal. Driven by her passion for environmental conservation, Dr. Thummala also spearheaded the sustainable menstruation campaign, aiming to address the environmental damage caused by sanitary waste in Siddipet.

Malini Parmar, with a strong background in the global IT industry and an education from prestigious institutions such as IIM-Kolkata and Delhi College of Engineering, decided to leverage her experience for social change. Co-founding Stonesoup, a social enterprise dedicated to sustainable living, Parmar offers a range of products that contribute to a greener future. As a single parent and advocate for sustainable menstruation, Parmar shared her personal experiences and insights during the panel discussion.

The panelists brought diverse perspectives and experiences to the table, creating a dynamic discussion that touched upon the health benefits of sustainable menstrual products, the environmental impact of disposable alternatives, and the empowerment of women as brand ambassadors for sustainable options. By challenging the status quo, these panelists are leading the way toward a future where women’s health and the well-being of the planet are prioritized.

You will also love reading about my experience with gifting cloth pads to girls with hearing impairment in Noida.

Psst : If you’re doing GOOD the SABERA jury is looking for your work to acknowledge you.

The post 17 K Crore industry of disposables- Do sustainable menstrual products stand a chance? appeared first on Woman Endangered.

As an added bonus WE are offering a GIVE AWAY on a medical-grade silicone menstrual cup to 2 individuals who share their views on periods on Simply Suparnaa’s Instagram. The GIVE AWAY is in collaboration with Stonesoup.in Why are WE doing this? Keep reading

Challenging Misinformation

Despite advancements in urban settings, misinformation about feminine hygiene products still prevails. Commercial pads and tampons, often laden with plastics and chemicals, pose risks to both our bodies and the planet. It’s time to dispel these myths and explore better alternatives.

The Wisdom of Tradition

In India, where cotton is abundant, we have a rich heritage of using cotton sarees to manage menstruation. This age-old practice not only ensures comfort but also aligns with sustainability. Cotton sarees can be easily disposed of and naturally decompose over time, minimizing environmental impact.

Prioritizing Women’s Health

Just as we choose organic, chemical-free foods for our well-being, it’s crucial to extend the same principle to feminine hygiene. Commercial sanitary pads and tampons can introduce harmful substances into our bodies. Tampons, in particular, have been associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome. By opting for natural and organic options, we can safeguard our health.

Breaking the Stigma

Periods have long been shrouded in silence and shame. It’s time to change that. Let’s foster open conversations about menstrual health, eradicating taboos, and empowering women to embrace their bodies fully. By talking openly about periods, we can create a supportive environment that encourages education and understanding.

Social Media Giveaway

To further promote open discussions on periods, we are excited to announce a social media giveaway! Share your views and experiences on periods using the hashtag #LetsTalkPeriod, and you could win a medical-grade silicone cup—a sustainable and comfortable alternative for menstrual care. Join the movement and help us spread awareness.

Instastories

maanasadevi12
It’s part of every woman’s life. Proper care and personal hygiene are very important during those days. Young girls they should have awareness about their first period ie what are periods what we do during periods why we get periods and how to face them. Mainly teenage girls must know and have awareness because when they see the first period they get shocked and fearful because it’s blood and the girl feels very weak. How to take proper care during periods also needs to be known some classes should be taken. girls and women should know some home remedies, period care essentials like menstrual cups, and how to handle cramps. And family mother, father, sis or bro, boyfriend or husband should be supportive not treating them like untouchables. Boys mothers should also teach boys what are periods and what females grow through during that time so that boys can understand that pain and support them rather than seeing it as something unknown.

riospamzzzz

Back in school, a guy in my class pulled out a sanitary napkin from a friend’s bag. He stood on the desk holding it high up for everyone to see. He went on shouting “XXX is on her period!! xxx is on her period” and threw it on someone.
Everyone went from yewww to yuckk, running away as if it was an asteroid.
When we girls felt deeply hurt and embarrassed, the girl who was on her period spoke loud and clear.
Yes, I am on my period. So was your mother and so is your sister. If not for it, you wouldn’t be here. If you have a problem with it, then you probably are mentally sick. Get yourself checked.
The class learned a lesson. It’s not the period that’s disgusting, but the person who feels that way.

Keep sharing your views and stand a chance to win the medical-grade silicone cups from Stonesoup. Winners will be announced on 23rd May 2023.

WE are passionate about debunking misinformation, promoting sustainable menstrual practices, and empowering women to make informed choices. By embracing traditional wisdom, advocating for chemical-free options, and encouraging open conversations, we can create a healthier and more sustainable future. Let’s break the silence, #LetsTalkPeriod!

The post Let’s Talk Period: Empowering Women through Sustainable Menstrual Practices appeared first on Woman Endangered.

Last year, I reached out to Ruma Roka, who has been a SABERA awardee, to discuss the idea of the #LetsTalkPeriod session at the Noida Deaf Society. It would require a sign language interpreter to communicate the session to the girls and their mothers, who would also be invited to the 90-minute workshop followed by hot samosas and a soft drink.

On the 25th day of January 2023, WE conducted our very first session with a classroom of girls with hearing impairment along with some of their mothers. The girls were interactive from the word go and had lots of questions, observations, and comments. It was heartening to see that they weren’t shy to express their views on Periods or Menstrual hygiene! Maybe their inability to hear has cocooned them of the social constructs and taboos!

Their openness and confidence definitely reflected the safe space that the Noida Deaf Society and its teachers provide for them to help them live well-rounded life despite their disabilities. I was apprised of some horror stories of how deaf girls are extremely vulnerable and can be subject to exploitation by their own teachers. Being visually able, young deaf girls like all other teenagers, like to dress up and look good. There have been cases where the teachers have exploited them sexually, in the lure of a dress or jeans, the heinous acts being hidden in the girls’ inability to speak up for themselves.

We gifted the girls, 20 LAADLI Kits(containing 5 cloth pads, 2 jackets, and I small purse ) that were received pro bono from Stonesoup trust. The girls were also taught how to use, wash, dry, and store them.

The feedback from the girls post the session was humbling and I am grateful for this opportunity.

Karishma was the Indian sign Language interpreter. The only request I had to heed was to go slow. On average, an interpreter is required to take a break after 60 minutes but Karishma was just as passionate about it.

We wrapped the session, as usual with some yog asanas and simple home remedies to address irregularities through periods including cramps, body aches, and rash but the most important factor is to reinforce a positive association with this natural regular cycle that mother nature has bestowed on us to sustain the universe. This also helps allay a lot of these symptoms when we look forward to the periodic cycle.

Incase, you would like us to conduct this workshop in your institute or organization, do write to us at womanendangered@gmail.com or suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com

You can also contribute here to help us reach out to more girls and women with the #LetsTalkPeriod session and to gift a sustainable menstrual hygiene solution of a menstrual cup or cloth pad.

The post Menstrual hygiene session I Girls with hearing impairment appeared first on Woman Endangered.

Suparnaa has been conducting these sessions pro bono since 2014 and is regularly invited by schools, institutes as well as corporates to conduct the session. The Simply Suparnaa © Media Network has been awarded by the UN Women as an SME champion. Woman Endangered is a non-profit trust under the network that promotes Responsible content besides conducting menstrual hygiene as well as awareness sessions on violence against women. The other initiative under the network is SABERA. A one-of-its-kind annual social impact award, and summit highlight ESG best practices & sustainable development initiatives by corporates, nonprofits, and individuals

Voice of Pratigya a local newspaper wrote about the session and shared ‘ महावरी के प्रति जाग रुकता लाने के लिए ऑनलाइन काउंसलिंग की गई’ (Online counselling was done to bring awareness towards Periods).’ ‘बालिकाओं को ग्रामीण क्षेत्र मैं इस दिशा में गलत धारणाओं को छोडने अवं वैज्ञानिक चिंतन पेयदा करने की दिशा मैं अग्रसर किया’ (In the rural area, the girls were encouraged to move beyond misconceptions and start thinking scientifically in this direction).

Let us know if you know of a school/college/community in the remote parts of the country – we would be happy to conduct a session! write to womanendangered@gmail.com or suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com

To support our initiative contribute here.

The post Talking Periods in Chulu, Rajasthan appeared first on Woman Endangered.

it’s true, it’s true, it’s true.

This is the ring you gave me and these are your promises!”

(Artemisia’s statement to her perpetrator while being tortured during her rape trial. The judge had her tortured with thumbscrews, as was the norm. Loops of string were wound around her fingers and tightened till she cried ‘E Vero’!)

Women painters are not widely discussed and a list of outstanding painters is likely to miss a woman. Whether it is the result of relatively fewer women artists or the inherent male bias against them (or both) is debatable and an enduring conundrum. Fortuitously, many of them stand out judged even by the most exacting parameters and have presented to humanity some of the finest expressions of human emotions. And yet their talent and accomplishments offer fascinating but perplexing insights regarding their place in history. One such artist of foremost mention is Artemisia Gentileschi.

In the centuries of renaissance that provided a spurt in creative human genius, women still had few opportunities to pursue artistic training or work as professional artists. Artemisia bucked this trend, overcame convention and was to become the first woman member of the Accademia di Arte del Disegno in Florence. Her work got noticed not merely in Italy but was to earn a clientele far beyond her shores.

Artemisia was undoubtedly the greatest female artist of the baroque age and one of the most brilliant followers of the incendiary and violent Caravaggio. Her work, high in quality and fetching in themes, dominated the first half of the 17^th century with paintings defined by extraordinary colours, masterful brushstrokes, sartorial brilliance and of course, themes of revenge and reprisal.

Despite losing her mother at twelve, her first paintings appeared when she was just fifteen. Trained by her father Orazio, himself a painter of repute, and largely following the style and passion of the mercurial genius Caravaggio, she became a sincere, hardworking and devoted pupil to her father, who was also to be her collaborator in many of their future works across Europe. And yet, Artemisia’s approach to painting was different from her father’s, taking a highly naturalistic approach over his comparatively idealized works.

The Making of an Extraordinary Woman

Artemisia was raped by her own painting tutor, Agostino Tassi. This occurred when she was a mere teenager. Charges were pressed nine months after the incident because Tassi promised to marry her and restore her dignity, a promise on which he reneged. Artemisia thus had to become an active participant in her rapist’s trial were before reaching a verdict, the judge had her tortured with thumbscrews to verify her testimony. As was the norm then to discourage false accusations, loops of string were wound around her fingers and tightened till she cried out, “E Vero, e Vero, e Vero” – it’s true, it’s true, it’s true. Unbroken, she looked at her rapist and, referring to the loops of string, said: “This is the ring that you give me, and these are your promises.”

The trial lasted seven months and ended in Tassi’s conviction and sentenced him to exile from Rome. But the ordeal scarred Artemisia’s soul permanently. Things were to worsen when Tassi escaped unscathed, having managed a Papal pardon; ironically, much like her mentor Caravaggio once had, for murder. For many years after this, she remained a mere curiosity.

It is a persistent eternal irony of societal mores that while a lecherous Picasso, a lascivious Reuben and a murderous Caravaggio would never get censored or have their works discounted under a moral lens, Artemisia bore the burden of ignominy all her life and could never see herself be appreciated independent of the slur so involuntarily imprinted into her persona.

Her life and art have however been reexamined by scholars in the 20^th and 21^st centuries and she is now regarded as one of the most progressive and expressive painters of her generation; the recognition of her talents exemplified by major exhibitions of her work at internationally esteemed fine art institutions.

Her Craft and Subjects

There are about fifty-seven works by Artemisia and forty-nine of them feature women as protagonists or equal to men. Most of Artemisia’s paintings feature women from myths, allegories and the Bible, including victims, suicides and warriors. The characters she portrayed intentionally lacked the stereotypical ‘feminine’ traits — sensitivity, timidity and weakness and were portrayed as courageous, rebellious, and powerful.

Artemisia was known for being able to depict the female figure with great naturalism and for her skill in handling colours to express dimension and drama. She understood that the representation of biblical or mythological figures in contemporary dress was an essential feature of the spectacle of courtly life, and she abundantly employed this style in her paintings after carefully and meticulously studying the sartorial elegance and vibrancy of contemporary times.

Some of her best-known subjects are Susanna and the Elders, Judith Slaying Holofernes, Judith and Her Maidservant, Mary Magdalene, Esther before Ahasuerus, Cleopatra and Bathsheba.  Judith Slaying Holofernes remains her most representative and popular painting. Holofernes was an Assyrian general who was about to destroy Judith’s home, the city of Bethulia. He invites Judith to his tent and is tricked by her into passing out by excessive drinking. He is then decapitated by Judith with the help of her maidservant, and his head taken away in a basket and brought to Bethulia.

This particular painting has been a focal point in interpreting her artwork and her mind. Its understanding ranges from being seen as a representation of revenge and her rebellious sense of violence to being simply hailed for its brilliant colour scheme, elaborate expression, rich costumes and choice of characters. And yet, it is generally believed that her choice of themes was an expression of the repressed frustration and helplessness she faced in her adolescent life.

The Feminist Hue

For a woman at the beginning of the 17^th century, Artemisia choosing life as a painter represented an uncommon and difficult choice. Her evaluation that saw both recognition and prominence came about largely on merit but was also propagated by feminist scholars. She was elevated to the status of feminist icon largely because of the choice of characters she painted and for making a mark in a field dominated and dictated by men. That Artemisia was aware of her position as a female artist and the current representations of women’s relationship to art only reveal the acuity of her perception and grasp of the prevailing realities. In one of her self-portraits – La Pittura – she shows herself as a muse, as an embodiment of art and her artistic proclivities.

But the staunch feminists may have caused noticeable disservice to her by investing historically, intellectually and politically in a narrative that sought to undo a perceived injustice. There does rest a case to portray her as a traumatized but noble survivor whose work became characterized by sex and violence as a result of her experience, but this is likely a post facto feminist-oriented judgment, because merely a century after her death, her work was marvelled as free of feminist baggage. “No one would have imagined that it was the work of a woman. The brushwork was bold and certain, and there was no sign of timidness.”, a critic wrote then.

Legacy

It requires a certain degree of imagination and appreciation of the gender equations prevailing in Italian society then, to truly understand and evaluate the genius of this extraordinarily gifted and resolutely determined woman. Artemisia had to overcome the “traditional attitude and psychological submission to the brainwashing and jealousy of her obvious talent.” But overcome this she did. She was prolific and her paintings spanned over four decades in locations as diverse as Rome, Florence, Venice, Naples and London. She held commissions from the highest echelons of European society, including the Grand Duke of Tuscany,  Philip IV of Spain and Charles I of England. Commercially she never had to struggle and continued to get commissions from rich and powerful till the end.

As often happens, her work has seen interpretation from prisms representing contemporary concerns and societal predilections. Feminists have viewed her paintings as an expression of defiance of male dominance and suppression imposed on the women of her time, accentuated by her own traumatic life. The choice of subjects, scenes and characters of her paintings are argued to naturally reveal her underlying angst and resentment. The risk of feminist rediscovery, however, may save her from obscurity only to conscript her into a reductive, triumphal narrative. But this would be a gross injustice to her talent, tenacity and triumphs.

The interpretive evaluation of her work merits a look free of gender lest it colours the true worth of her art and the inspiration behind it. She needs to be recognized in her own right as a fine painter who chose characters from her own convictions and courage, embellished and beautified by her worldview of gender equations. Her brushwork is bold, decisive, certain and far from timid. An impartial evaluation, considering her personality, artistic calibre and the prolific range of her ample and diverse oeuvre will no doubt find her amongst the all-time greats.

While a rare tenacity and energy eloquently defined her personality, what sets her apart and qualifies her as one of the most famous artists of the world, is her communication of a powerful personal vision – something so rare and so close to impossible that it could not be managed by any other Renaissance or Baroque woman. Like Frida Kahlo, Louise Bourgeois or Tracey Emin, she put her life into her art.

Assessed, measured or critiqued from whatever perspective, Artemisia’s oeuvre presents a kaleidoscope of well-crafted, powerful and moving images whose richness of colour, the dominance of texture and the supremacy of theme place her at a pedestal deserving of only the best. That she was able to do so despite her gender and vulnerability adds an almost supernatural aura to her paintings, earning her a place of extraordinary standing. She deserves our commemoration, and not commiseration, for applauding what life gave her.

Roberto Longhi, an Italian critic, best summarized Artemisia as  simply “the only woman in Italy who ever knew about painting, colouring, drawing, and other fundamentals.”

This article is part of a series on women through history by author Uday Kumar Varma, former secretary of the Ministry of Information & broadcasting and MSME, Government of India. An ardent proponent of gender equity, Varma writes on women through history who have excelled in their area of passion and defied conventions. You may also like to read about the woman who triggered the abolishment of slavery, Harriet Beecher Stowe, activist Emmeline Pankhurst from England, the lady sniper Lyudmila Pavlichenko from Russia,  the American pilot Amelia Earhart or Judge Ruth Bader Ginsberg or just maybe a piece on the Spanish artist  Frida Kahlo? And you must read the story of Mata Hari– “Harlot? Oui! Mais traitoress, jamais!” ‘Courtesan! Yes; Spy, never!’

The post Painter Artemisia, failed by society saved by Art appeared first on Woman Endangered.

Ever since the pandemic, WE adopted the workshop in an online mode through presentation and videos. This was the first session that was conducted in person post the pandemic. The session was attended by the mothers of the children studying in Voice of Slum (VOS).

VOS provides a bridge between introducing children of the slums to a formal system of education. They accept children of all age groups and after a couple of years of orientation help them get admitted to mainstream schools or vocational courses. The session was clubbed with the parent-teacher meeting.

The 2-hour interactive session encouraged the mothers to share their doubts and experiences creating an open and safe space for an exchange of knowledge. The topics covered included physiology, the periodic cycle, the common ailments, some yog asanas and home remedies along with information on sustainable menstrual solutions and feminine hygiene. An important aspect of the session is to understand facts beyond mere superstition.

Premium quality Medical grade silicone cups were also distributed to take care of the women’s feminine hygiene for the next 8 to 10 years. The proper usage and care were also demonstrated on a silicone female reproductive organ replica.

To support our initiative contribute here.

The post #LetsTalkPeriod in Voice of Slum appeared first on Woman Endangered.

Last year WE adapted to the online media and successfully conducted the #LetsTalkPeriod session virtually with Government-aided school teachers. To accommodate Avcom’s request, we tweaked the content making it relevant to the marginalised sector through the online medium.

The #LetsTalkPeriod content, as well as the teaching aids, are tailor-made to suit the different target groups for maximum understating and interaction. In the marginalised sector the aids often used are Placards, a silicone model of the reproductory system and video.

The two-hour workshop covers the physiology, monthly cycle, addresses facts vs myths and also delves on the ancient wisdom around menstruation. Steps in hygiene and a discussion on feminine hygiene solutions are an integral part of the interaction. The session encourages participants to share their experiences through the safe and open space created by the #LetsTalkPeriod platform. Another one of the mechanics used is sharing the learnings of the session through art.

An artwork made by one of the women encapsulates her learnings from the interaction. Ruchika resident Dharamshala, District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh won a medical-grade silicone stonesoup.in Menstrual cup of MRP 945 INR.

#LetsTalkPeriod is an initiative of Woman Endangered (WE) that openly talks about PERIODS. Providing information, encouraging interaction and involving participants to become change agents in their respective communities, educational institutions or work organizations.  The session helps address gender parity issues along with environmental & health hazards that we face through popular menstrual hygiene solutions. WE work through behaviour change communication, busting myths around menstruation with the aim to transform communities to be inclusive and sensitive to the needs of all. 

If you work in marginalised sectors WE would be happy to conduct this 2-hour session PRO BONO with the beneficiaries. You can reach out with your request by writing to suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com. The session content for all target groups has been adapted online taking into consideration the covid distancing protocols.

To support our initiative contribute here.

The post #LetsTalkPeriod 2022 appeared first on Woman Endangered.

सबेरा SABERA, which stands for Social And Business Enterprise Responsible Awards, endeavours to acknowledge Purpose beyond Profit. Launched by the UN Women awardee  Simply Suparnaa © Media network, the event has become synonymous with GOOD. A wide spectrum of entries has been received from India’s largest businesses, impactful nonprofits and passionate individuals.

The participants from India’s largest Organizations & most Impactful NGO’s include Anugraha Drishtidaan , Auspice Social , Birlasoft Ltd, , BansiVidya Memorial Trust, Bhaktivedanta Hospital & Research Institute, Bharat Aluminium Company, Bharat Petroleum Company Limited, Bharti Foundation, Cancer Awareness Prevention and Early Detection Trust, Children’s LoveCastles Trust, Dabur India Ltd, DGTRA Consultancy Pvt Ltd., E-Waste Social Private Limited, Ecohoy, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd., Hindustan Unilever Ltd., IMPRI Impact and Policy Research Institute Foundation, Ingenuity Edulabs LLP., Jyoti Bahuudesiya Sevabhavi Sanstha, Kamalnayan Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, Keshav Sita Memorial Foundation Trust, Kimberly Clark, Maruti Suzuki, ONGC Foundation, Oorjan Cleantech, S M Sehgal Foundation, Samarpan Foundation, Sanjeevani Life Beyond Cancer, Sankalp Jyoti, Sarathi Development Foundation, Save the Children SBI General Insurance Company Limited, Sterlite Technologies Limited, Sun Pharma Community Healthcare Society, Sustainable Advancements, Swades Foundation, TIEEDI Forest Garden, Udyama, WAY2WORLD, We will still rise, WinPE Development Forum and WNS Global Services amidst others.

सबेरा SABERA 2021 has partnered with United Nations Global Compact Network India as SDG partner, ShethePeople.TV as digital-media partner, and eShe as magazine partner to amplify content on traditional and new-age media platforms. Amazon India has come on board as a Gift Partner to felicitate the eminent jury members and speakers. MG Motors India Pvt Ltd., which work diligently to promote gender diversity, will be the ESG partner this year.

सबेरा SABERA aims to be the tripartite bridge between the three sectors of corporate India, civil and nonprofit sectors. The jury has senior representatives from these sectors and has already rigorously screened the entries as part of the jury process and has arrived at a shortlist.

Jury Chair, Renu Sud Karnad, MD, HDFC Bank Ltd, shared her sentiments on chairing the jury and said, “SABERA has been doing a commendable job by bringing to the fore and recognizing achievements by individuals, corporates, and communities working towards a better sustainable future. These selfless do-gooders by virtue of their perseverance and conviction deserve to be celebrated as role models for society at large. I am honoured to be the JURY CHAIR for the 2020-21 awards and I am convinced that the awardees this year will inspire many more to follow in their footsteps.”

The jury includes noted personalities such as Dr Bhaskar Chatterjee (IAS), popularly known as the father of CSR in India; Uday Varma (IAS), Former Secretary Ministry of I&B and MSME; Suhela Khan, Country Program Manager, WeEmpower Asia UN Women; Ananta Raghuvanshi, Founder Director, NARDECO MAHI GOI; Kamal Bali, President and Managing Director, Volvo Group India; Richard Rekhy, Board, KPMG Dubai; Shaili Chopra, Founder, SheThePeople.TV; Mathew Cherian, Chair CARE India and Geeta Goel, Country Director, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.

The awards will be held virtually on December 9th, 2021. The high-impact speakers at the Summit preceding the awards will include Padma Shri Dr Prakash Amte and Dr Mandakini Amte, a couple that is the epitome of a purpose beyond profit. As professional doctors, they have dedicated their lives to healing the indigenous tribes in the remote part of our country. Dr Bibek Debroy, chair, an economic advisory council to the Prime Minister, has been a constant supporter of the event since its inception and will continue to be the Guest of Honor for the fourth consecutive year.

Since year one, the award ceremonies have been anchored by girls from marginalized sectors of society who have emancipated themselves and their communities through education. This year, too, the face of सबेरा SABERA will be a teenage girl from the remote village of Uttarakhand.

An annual event that seeks to initiate a transformative journey for the nation by highlighting ESG and SDG aligned best practices, सबेरा SABERA award categories are based on UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as environment, education, enablement, health and wellbeing, agriculture and rural development, and diversity and inclusion. The entity awards will evaluate ESG best practices of Responsible Businesses and Promising Responsible Businesses (minimum three years and maximum ten years in operation). The organizational and individual categories include Social Enterprise, Not for Profit, Social Leader, Promising Social Leader (under 30 years), Change Maker, as well as Lifetime Achievement awards. Benchmarks for the awards were set by the jury based on qualitative and quantitative measures for impact, sustainability and scalability.

About  Simply Suparnaa © Media network
Simply Suparnaa © Media network is an award-winning organization that consciously works towards creating a positive narrative away from sensationalism by creating and distributing Responsible content. The founder Suparnaa Chadda uses her versatile experience of over two decades in the Indian media to curate सबेरा SABERA that Recognizes GOOD across civil, corporate and development sectors. Amidst others, the Network stands for enabling gender sensitivity and conducts menstrual hygiene sessions distributing sustainable feminine hygiene products in urban slums through the nonprofit womanendangered.org. The network also awards entities & Individuals working around ESG & SDG principles. It also provides a platform for marginalized girls or women who have taken a career break to get back into the mainstream. The network strongly believes that leadership and spirituality are interconnected and have the potential to bring about a larger change in society. It has been awarded by the UN Women WEP Awards 2021 as an SME Community Champion.

The post सबेरा SABERA 2021 Awards Participants & Partners unveiled appeared first on Woman Endangered.

The Network consciously works towards creating a positive narrative away from sensationalism. सबेरा SABERA, is a one-of-its-kind annual social impact award and summit which highlights SDG & ESG aligned work across the country. Amidst others, the network stands for causes enabling gender sensitivity as promoted by Woman Endangered. An initiative to affect behavioural change and enhance gender equity. With a keen spiritual bent, I am training in Shaktism under my Spiritual Mentor, Shree Umeshwar Shrivastav, and have also formally studied the Sankhya Shastra under his tutelage. I strongly believe that leadership and spirituality are interconnected and have the potential to bring a larger change in society.

From engaging with girls from economically weaker sections, daughters of sex workers, rag pickers, launderers or gardeners to employing women who have had to take a career break. From documenting steps in the unfortunate incident of Rape as explained by the Super Cop Chhaya Sharma who busted Nirbhaya’s perpetrators to conducting menstrual hygiene sessions in slums and offices. And of course, acknowledging Gender equitable campaigns and companies across the country. I remain grateful for your support and belief in my work. I have had help from different corners of the industry and as I receive this acknowledgement – I thank you from the bottom of my heart for it wouldn’t have been possible without your direct support or the warmth of your blessings.

Yours Sincerely,

Suparnaa Chadda

The post Simply Suparnaa © Awarded by UN Women appeared first on Woman Endangered.

Kanika Mehrotra is a management professional based in Italy, an old colleague, when she recently reached out to conduct an interview with me talking about Life-Changing skills, I was more than happy to engage through this free-flowing conversation. Amidst other things being comfortable with our anatomy and recognizing our own deep-set stereotypes came to the fore as the discussion progressed.

The interview reminded me of the deck that Shiva Kumar had made on women in leadership and we shared on the site here.

Here is a link to the podcast on spotify with the whole recorded interaction.

You could also watch the whole interview here and share your own experiences as a woman in the leadership role that suits you best.

To support our initiative contribute here.

The post Woman and Leadership appeared first on Woman Endangered.